Diane "Dee" Smith

Diane was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was a true “Ride or Die” for her family and loved ones. She approached life with fearless authenticity and was admired by many for her fiery, spunky and passionate personality. Her fathers were Daniel Lawson and Raymond Enriquez. Her mother was Norma Taylor from San Antonio, Texas. Diane graduated from Burbank High School in 1975. After high school she became employed in civil service for the United States Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base and later at Lackland Air Force Base in the Defense Language Institute. She then retired after 34 years of dedicated service in October 2015 as a GS13. She married Joseph Smith and was the proud and fiercely protective mother of Robert Daniel Gonzales (Christina), Brandon Anthony Dominguez and Stepdaughter, Elisa Smith Hernandez (Carlo).

She is survived by her spouse, Joseph Smith. Her mother, Norma Taylor, sisters, Elisa Caudill (Scott), Kristin Reyes (Robert), Debbie Lawson and four beloved grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews and fur babies, Bella and Bailey. She is preceded in death by her father, Daniel Lawson, Stepfather Raymond Enriquez, sister Terri Ann Enriquez, brother Richard Lawson.

Diane was the kind of person you could always trust and that is proven by her lifelong friendships. She loved music and dance, often encouraging her sisters to get up and dance, she was easily the life of the party. Two of her favorite songs were “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” by Bret Michaels and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. One of my favorite memories is Diane singing, “We are family, I got all my sisters with me!” She loved her 49ers, Betty Boop and all things Red and Glamourous. She supported those who served in the military and opened her home to sponsor soldiers for Thanksgiving. Her heart was pure, and she loved hard.

Diane recently encouraged a new rule for our family, to always say “I Love You” before saying goodbye. Diane’s infinite love for us will always serve as a guiding light to those who love her dearly.

A visitation will be held from 5:00PM – 6:00PM (for family) and from 6:00 – 9:00PM (open to public) on Tuesday, April15th at Sunset Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, April 16 at Sunset Funeral Home starting at 8:00am with processional at 9:15am to Mission Park Cemetery with internment service at 10:00AM. Please join us for lunch and fellowship at Elisa and Scott’s home at noon.